Shaving the beard is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam according to the majority of scholars. This is based on authentic hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) that encourage the growing of the beard.
Supporting Evidence:
The prohibition on shaving the beard stems from several narrations found in collections of hadith. These narrations generally instruct Muslim men to:
- "Grow the beard..." (This is a common phrase found in various hadith.)
- "... and trim the mustache." (This emphasizes differentiating oneself from non-Muslims who did the opposite.)
These instructions, according to the majority scholarly opinion, are considered obligatory, leading to the conclusion that shaving the beard is forbidden.
Different Interpretations:
While the majority view holds shaving the beard as haram, some scholars have held differing opinions. Some suggest that:
- It is makrooh tahrimi (highly discouraged). This is a category close to haram but not strictly forbidden.
- It is permissible in certain circumstances. These circumstances are generally limited to cases of medical necessity or extreme social pressure where maintaining the beard would cause significant harm. However, this view is less common.
Conclusion:
The dominant Islamic scholarly opinion deems shaving the beard to be haram (forbidden), based on interpretations of prophetic traditions. While differing views exist, they are less prevalent.
